The matter was deliberated upon by the members of the Masjid committee for a period of eight days. When asked about the reason for the grille, Mr. Muqtar explained that many people come to the cemetery and bury bodies on top of older graves without seeking permission, which led to the decision to install the grille.
“The people who already have their close ones resting here have had complaints since they come here to read Fateha. In order to prevent others from burying any bodies further, the families have put the grille there.”
After being notified that an image of this particular grave was being shared with the false claim that it was from Pakistan, Mr. Muqtar clarified that the grille was also installed to prevent people from stepping on the grave, as it was located in front of the entrance.
Alt News also spoke to a nearby resident who confirmed that the grave belonged to an elderly woman who passed away in her seventies. Her son constructed the grille approximately 40 days after her burial. Various media outlets, including ANI, shared the photo of the padlocked grave with the misleading claim that parents in Pakistan were locking their daughters’ graves to prevent rape. However, the photo was actually taken in Hyderabad, India and the grave in question is that of an elderly woman. One of the many false narratives India likes to propagate against Pakistan and this results in reported beliefs of common Indians against Pakistanis.